Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Crimaldi Obituary
Michael J. Crimaldi Jr., 72, of Elkhart, died Saturday, April 15, 2023, at his home. Mike was born Dec. 6, 1950, in Elkhart, to the late Michael J. and Shirley (Tierney) Crimaldi.
He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Crimaldi of Elkhart; and three sisters, Carol Ann Horton of South Bend, and Sharon (Robert) Biro and Michelle Crimaldi, both of Georgia. He is preceded by his parents and a son, Michael J. Crimaldi III.
After Mike graduated from Elkhart High School, he went into the United States Air Force as a military police officer. Mike was a member of the Elks Club and an avid golfer as well. For over 40 years Mike owned and operated Crimaldi's Restaurant and Lounge. Mike loved being around people and would help anyone who needed it. At Crimaldi's everyone felt welcome and everyone felt like family. Most of the time when you walked into the bar Frank Sinatra was playing and the Cubs playing on the TV.
Mike loved his sports, especially the Chicago Cubs and Bears as well as the University of Notre Dame. When Mike was younger, he played basketball at St. Thomas Catholic School as well as baseball at Osolo Little League. Mike was a talented athlete, when he played sports he played everything he had in him and always gave 100 percent. Mike was a charismatic person who welcomed you every time you entered the room.
He lived his best life though providing the community with a place to come together, share in a good meal, drink a cold one, enjoy friendships and just have a fun time. Crimaldi's was definitely the Cheers of Elkhart for 40-plus years.
Crimaldi's Restaurant and Lounge will remain open this week (or until we deplete inventory) to allow the community a chance to reminisce, eat your favorite dish, have a last cold one and mourn the loss of a fun, sarcastic, very opinionated, stubborn, hard-headed Italian that was always the life of the party and loved by so many.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Crimaldi's Restaurant & Lounge, 117 W. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516.
Arrangements for Mike have been entrusted with Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home in Elkhart.
To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Crimaldi
Sponsored by Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, Inc. - Elkhart.
Dennis Nowak
April 11, 2024
Still miss you Mike. Rip
Crystal Walker
April 26, 2023
I'm so sorry for your lose. Mike was such a great person. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Crystal walker
Dennis Nowak
April 23, 2023
Mike and I grew up together as kids. Have great memories of him playing all sports as kids. Rip Mike.
Ned M.
April 21, 2023
To the EHS Class of 69 Crimaldi's was " Mike's Place" and Mike was one of us. A special one of us.
Through the years Blue Blazer reunions, Celebrations of Lives, fun and games and enjoyable fellowship was a constant provided by Mike and crew that will be missed,indeed.
I believe I speak for many in saying we're all so greatful for the memories provided for the past four decades.
SFC (RET) Steve "Sarge" Toth
April 21, 2023
Mike was a good guy and a friend to all. He will be missed.
Stanley schott
April 21, 2023
Mike,will be missed deeply,I shot pool league's againest him,and i didnt even win.But i learned alot from htm.He was a good friend. Stan Schott,( Slick)
Billy galloway
April 19, 2023
Mike u crazy goofy friend we shared so much together , softball , work shooting the breeze i truly will miss u as u were a special friend this life be a lesser place with u gone , save me a spot on the softball team a lot of will be joining u . RIP
Phyllis Wilson Crabtree
April 19, 2023
Michael was a great man. We went to school together. I enjoyed going to his restaurant. My husband knew him as well. Rest in peace, You will be dearly missed by all.
linda rothrock jurus
April 19, 2023
My sympathy to Kelly and family you endured a lot over the years.
Carl Slabaugh
April 19, 2023
Mike and I have been friends for a very long time. I have had many great dinners at Crimaldi´s and a few cold beers.
Elkhart will certainly miss Mike. I hope Crimaldi´s will continue to put smiles on Elkhart residents faces
Marsha Wirt
April 19, 2023
I have raised my boys in the house that Mike's parents built in Elkhart. Mike played ball with my boys father, Jon Borger. I am sure there is a lot of softball talk going on up in heaven now. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Marsha (Borger) Wirt.
RUTH RHODES-CARPENTER
April 19, 2023
My condolences to the family. Mike was a fun guy and always remembered your name. Fond memories of the restaurant.
GAIL
April 19, 2023
GOD BLESS U MIKE ENJOYED OUR TIME TOGETHER AS TEEN
larry baughman
April 19, 2023
Mike & my late husband, Larry Baughman were friends for many many years. They are now in heaven together playing fastpitch softball. Rest in peace Mike & my sincere sympathy to his family.
Lieutenant Colonel GP Mandis, US Marine Corps (Ret.)
April 19, 2023
Was deeply saddened to hear that Mike has passed away.
Have known Mike for decades. Definitely one of the "good guys".
My heartfelt sympathy to Mike´s family. Prayer has been offered. May the Great Architect of our universe, keep you in the palm of his hands, providing strength and comfort, and may great memories offer solace. God Bless. Semper Fidelis.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Crimaldi's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Crimaldi
Funeral services provided by:
Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, Inc. - Elkhart403 W. Franklin Street, Elkhart, IN 46516
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Crimaldi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
